Polish school libraries in the interwar period. An introduction

Abstract

The article presents status of school libraries in the interwar period. School libraries, after regain of independence in 1918, were in catastrophic situation, their reconstruction required an enormous effort. Regardless many shortcuts in regard of meritorious and organisational activity of primary and secondary (general and vocational) school libraries, either authorities responsible for education or the whole society contributed significantly to their development. New education system in Poland was a fundament for the network of school libraries, integrated with their education units. Financial or housing problems of the Polish state did not support development of school libraries. Sources for studies on this topic are quite rare.